waternsw.com.au

Regional

water availability

report Weekly edition

11 November 2019

Water availability weekly report 2

Contents

1. Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. System risks ............................................................................................................................................. 3

3. Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................................... 4

4. Southern valley based operational activities ..................................................................................... 6

4.1 Murray valley .................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.2 Lower Darling valley ........................................................................................................................................ 8

4.3 Murrumbidgee valley .................................................................................................................................... 10

5. Central valley based operational activities ..................................................................................... 13

5.1 Lachlan valley ................................................................................................................................................ 13

5.2 Macquarie valley ........................................................................................................................................... 13

6. Northern valley based operational activities ................................................................................... 18

6.1 Namoi valley ................................................................................................................................................... 19

6.2 Gwydir valley .................................................................................................................................................. 21

6.3 Border rivers ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

6.4 Barwon-Darling River system ........................................................................................................................ 22

7. Coastal valley based operational activities ..................................................................................... 26

7.1 Bega river ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

7.2 Hunter valley ................................................................................................................................................... 27

7.3 Toonumbar Dam ............................................................................................................................................ 28

8. Rural Dam Levels .................................................................................................................................. 29

Water availability weekly report 3

1. Overview

WaterNSW manages and operates 42 dams and storages to deliver water for environmental,

domestic, town water, stock, industrial and irrigation purposes across the state. WaterNSW storages

provide supplies to all the major river systems in Western NSW, Greater Sydney, the Southern

Highlands, Shoalhaven Bay as well as the Hunter, Bega, and Iron Pot valleys in coastal NSW.

The total active storage percentage of rural water supplies on 11 November 2019 was 30.3% of the

total active storage capacity. This was a decrease of 0.4% since last week.

The total storage level of urban water supplies on 11 November 2019 was 46.9% of the total storage

capacity. This was a decrease of 0.5% since last week.

2. System risks

• Significant rainfall was recorded near Bourke and surrounding areas over the weekend of 2nd

and 3rd Nov 2019. Around 95mm was observed at Bourke and around 51mm at Brewarrina over

two days. This rainfall generated flow at Beemery, Warraweena, Bourke and Louth. Flows have

ceased along the rest of the unregulated Barwon Darling system.

• Substantial rainfall also occurred in Warrego catchment, which generated flow at Fords Bridge

and Dicks Dam.

• A section 324 Temporary Water Restriction Order for A, B and C class licences from the Culgoa

Junction to Menindee has been issued on 4 Nov to protect the flow.

• Water allocations for the year have been reduced for some high security, carryover water and

conveyance licences due to reduced water availability and deliverability constraints. (see

summary on back table and link to detailed operational updates for impacted valleys.)

• Menindee Lakes continues to be below the 480/640GL trigger for NSW control, and four

temporary block banks were constructed to extend drought security beyond January 2019. The

water level behind the banks is now quite low and inadequate for this summer’s supplies. The

cease to flow conditions increase the possibility of decreasing water quality and fish deaths, with

increases in salinity, pH and algae, and reduced dissolved oxygen.

• In the Lower Namoi, releases from Keepit Dam ceased in December 2018 and until rain in late

March, cease to flow conditions existed from downstream of Keepit Dam to Walgett. Cease to

flow has recommenced in the whole river from Keepit to Walgett.

Water availability weekly report 4

• The Peel valley is in drought stage 4 and drought planning is underway, including the

implementation of works to restrict flows below Dungowan village from December 2019, to

secure water supply for Tamworth.

• In the Macquarie the combination of current storage volumes and a continuation of zero inflows

will mean that there isn’t enough water to maintain river flows to the whole valley for all of

2019/20. With the continuation of low inflows to the system the priority is to extend supply for

towns and critical industries. To secure water for these requirements cease to flow conditions

have been implemented for the river below Warren for Duck and Crooked Creeks. Planning has

commenced to cease flows in Gunningbar Ck, from December, below the Albert Priest Channel

offtake

• The Lachlan system continues to experience very low inflows. The low inflows this winter mean

the system has entered a new low inflow record, hence 1 July restrictions to 57% of general

security account balances. The Wyangala Dam forecast is for very low levels by June 2020 if zero

inflows occur. Willandra Ck flows will cease from December to March.

• Due to drought conditions, end of system daily environmental flow requirements in the Belubula

River have been suspended, and customers are regularly advised of deliverability constraints.

3. Climatic Conditions

Figure 1 - Weekly rainfall totals for New South Wales

Water availability weekly report 5

This week’s weather forecast

For the first part of the week, very dangerous fire weather conditions, particularly through central

eastern and north eastern districts. Dry and mostly sunny apart for a shower or two about the

southeast. Daytime temperature well above average in the north and east, while tending below

average in the southwest.

Dry and mostly sunny further on in the week with areas of smoke haze in the northeast. Daytime

temperatures below average, tending above average over the far northeast.

Figure 2a – First 4-day Forecast (11-14 November 2019) Figure 2b – Following 4-day forecast (15 – 18 November 2019)

Rainfall for the remainder of 2019 is likely to be below average across New South Wales for the

remainder of November and December. The summer outlook is more neutral, although much of

New South Wales remains likely to be drier that average.

Figure 3 – 3-month rainfall outlook

Water availability weekly report 6

4. Southern valley based operational activities

4.1 Murray valley

Storage and release status

• Hume Dam is currently 37% of active capacity, releases currently are about

9,000ML/d.

• Release downstream of Yarrawonga Weir has reduced to 9,000ML/day.

• The Edward River Offtake flow is currently about 1,550ML/d, flow will stay around 1,560 ML/d

during the week.

• The Gulpa Creek Offtake flows are at about 250ML/d. The flows are expected to remain steady.

• Stevens Weir level is about 4.44m and will marginally vary to accommodate a specific

environmental water flow into Yallakool system. Water level upstream of Wakool Canal offtake is

about 1.75m. Flow downstream of Stevens Weir is about 2,500ML/day and is expected to remain

steady during this week.

• Flows in the Colligen Creek (255ML/day) and Yallakool Creek (390ML/day) are likely to vary

marginally in line with environmental delivery.

• Flow in Niemur River at Mallan School is currently about 430ML/d and will decrease to around

370 ML/d during this week.

• Merran Creek flows upstream of its confluence with Wakool is about 130 ML/day and is likely to

slightly decrease over the week.

• Flow in Wakool River at Stoney Crossing is currently at about 1,000 ML/day and is likely to

decrease to about 650ML/d over the week.

• Flow at Balranald is currently about 1,300ML/d and will gradually increase to about 1,500ML/day

as IVT water is being delivered on top of the November end of system target of 568ML/d.

• Lake Victoria is currently holding about 513GL or 72% of active capacity. The flow to South

Australia is about 5,800ML/d. ( https://riverdata.mdba.gov.au/system-view )

Environmental water operations

• eWater delivery releases continues into Wakool-Yallakool system and into Colligen-Niemur

system to match a specific hydrograph requested by environmental water managers to support

fish habitat.

Water availability weekly report 7

Water availability

• The latest Murray Water Allocation Statement confirmed that general security allocation remains

unchanged. High security licences have 97%, while general security licences have 0% allocation.

General security licence holders have full access to water carried over from 2018-19, which is a

volume equivalent to about 18% of general security share components. Allocations are 100% for

local water utility, domestic and stock and high security sub-categories (town water supply,

research, and community and education). Regulated river (conveyance) has increased to 41%.

Drought operation measures

• The NSW Murray regulated river water source has advanced to Stage 2, meaning drought

operational planning has commenced in preparation for extreme dry conditions that may

continue through 2019-20.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

– There are no red alerts to report for the Murray or Lower Murray

– Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Lake Hume shows Lake Hume at Green alert

level.

– For more information visit: Water Quality Algae

Planned supply interruptions:

• Planning is underway to maintain the Stevens weir gates and super structure under the Coatings

Programme. However, the maintenance activity is not expected to impact the normal river

operations and Weir levels.

Water availability weekly report 8

4.2 Lower Darling valley

Storage and release status

• The lakes currently hold less than 1% of active capacity. The total active storage is about 10.2GL.

• Lake Tandure, Lake Cawndilla, Lake Menindee and Lake Pamamaroo are currently dry.

• The release from Wetherell reduced on 12 Feb 2019 and flows at Weir 32 have ceased from mid-

February 2019.

• Current levels at the block bank near Karoola, Jamesville and Ashvale are very low and

effectively empty.

• The average pan evaporation rate at Menindee over the last week was about 9.3 mm/d

equivalent to about 220ML lost from the lakes over the week.

Water availability

• The total storage of Menindee Lakes reached the 480GL trigger for NSW control of the lakes on

16 December 2017. The storages will be managed as per the Lower Darling Operations Plan until

the storage volume next exceeds 640GL. For more information visit: Lower-Darling Operational

Plan.

• Water allocations for 2019/20 are 50% for stock and domestic licence holders and local water

utility licence holders, 30% for high security licence holders and 0% for general security licence

holders. While water has been allocated for users, delivery will be dependent upon inflows to the

system as limited water available locally.

• Lower Darling water users are restricted to use water for critical human needs and permanent

plantings only. The restriction will be eased or removed if flow situation improves in the future.

Drought operation measures

• A temporary water restriction came into effect on 4 December 2018 limiting the taking of water

to town water, domestic and stock, permanent plantings, and, from Copi Hollow, high security

licences. Gazette

• The Lower Darling regulated river water source is assessed to be in drought Stage 4, as

restrictions limit access to water for critical needs only.

• Four temporary block banks viz. Karoola, Court Nareen, Jamesville and Ashvale were

constructed to extend supply to domestic, stock and permanent plantings. The water level

behind the banks is now quite low and inadequate for summer’s supplies

Water availability weekly report 9

• Pumping by Essential Water to Broken Hill is now met from the Wentworth to Broken Hill pipeline

while pumping from Copi Hollow continues at lower rates for Menindee town and pipeline

customers.

• The release to Lower Darling River from the storages has ceased and this will impact the river

conditions below Weir32. River users are reminded to monitor the river levels, to look for water

quality alerts and be aware of snags and other obstructions that may appear while the river

ceases to flow below Weir 32.

Water quality

• Amber Alert for Wilcannia (N1042), Copi Hollow (site N1094) and Lake Wetherell (site 1, 3 and 4).

• Green Alert for Darling River at Menindee pumping station (site N1095), Lake Wetherell (site 2),

Darling river at Weir 32 (site N1086) and Darling river u/s of Weir 32 (site N1171).

– For more information visit: Water Quality Algae.

Planned supply interruptions:

None.

Water availability weekly report 10

4.3 Murrumbidgee valley

Storage and release status

• Burrinjuck Dam is currently at 33% of active capacity, releasing about

435ML/d and forecast to remain steady as per minimum transparency/translucency rules.

• Blowering Dam is currently at 54% of active capacity, releasing about 5,000 ML/d. The release is

likely to increase over the week to meet irrigation demand, environmental water orders and

continuation of IVT water delivery at Balranald.

• The operational target at Kywong in Old Man Creek is 160ML/d in November, current flow is

100ML/d and it will increase to 160ML/d.

• Berembed Weir is currently about 4.59m and will be managed to meet any minor increase in

downstream demands. The minimum operating level of Berembed Weir is planned to be about

3.5m during the season.

• Bundidgerry storage is currently at 3.92m and is likely to decrease to 3.75m later this week.

• Gogeldrie Weir, currently at 5.58m, and will be managed to meet any minor increase in

downstream demands. The minimum operating level of Gogeldrie Weir is planned to be about

5.3m during the season.

• Tombullen storage is currently at about 60% of active storage volume; releases have started on

6th November and are likely to increase to 500ML/d by 20th November until the storage is drained

to about 15% of its active capacity.

• Hay Weir is currently at about 6.91m; and the water stored in the weir will be used to meet

downstream demands. In view of the prevailing drought conditions the operating level of Hay

Weir is targeted to be about 6.5m during the season; but the level may vary ±1m depending on

system demands.

• Maude Weir is at about 5.74m and is expected to decrease to 5.60m next week.

• Currently the Redbank Weir level is about 2.41m and will vary to minimise operations surplus at

Balranald.

• Flow at Balranald is currently about 1,300ML/d and will gradually increase to about 1,500ML/day

as IVT water will be delivered on top of the November end of system target of 568ML/d.

• The current diversion into Yanco Creek is about 245 ML/d and is expected to increase and

remain steady at 260ML/d during this week.

• Supply to Mid-Murray via Billabong system continues the use of Finley Escape at a rate of about

240ML/d. It is expected to remain around 250ML/d this week.

Water availability weekly report 11

• Combined flow to Yanco-Billabong system via Coleambally Irrigation Escapes (CCD and DC800)

is at about 25ML/day. It is to increase to 50 ML/d later this week.

Environmental water operations

• Planned environmental releases are being made from Burrinjuck dam as per the transparency /

translucency rules.

• Planned environmental water flow rules are fully complied at both Balranald and Darlot.

• Water orders totalling about 30GL from both Held Environmental Water and discretionary

Planned Environmental Water are being delivered to Nimmie-Caria system from late October.

Water availability

• For Inter Valley Transfer (IVT) account from Murray to Murrumbidgee refer to WaterNSW website

IVT Ordering. The IVT balance recently decreased to 91.6GL and hence the trade out of

Murrumbidgee is currently closed.

• The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has requested that WaterNSW extend the delivery of

IVT with an extra volume of up to 40GL from mid-November to the end of December 2019, a

total of 60 GL from 15th October to 31st December.

• WaterNSW is targeting a daily clearance rate of 850 ML/day in November and December. The

IVT is a volume delivered in excess of the end of system flow requirement, November – 568

ML/day; December – 254ML/d; meaning the flow at Balranald will be around 1,400 ML/day, until

the end of November and 1,100 ML/day in December, while IVT delivery is occurring.

• Once the IVT account balance reaches 85 GL, trade out of the Murrumbidgee will reopen, as

per the stated procedure that can be found on the WaterNSW website.

• Further delivery of IVT will be considered by mid-November and further advice provided if

additional water is to be delivered from the IVT account at that time.

• As per The DPIE Water Allocation Statement there is no change to general security availability

(which currently stands at 6%) in the Murrumbidgee regulated water source. Allocation is at

100% for towns and 95% for high security. General security licence holders in the Murrumbidgee

have full access to water carried over from 2018-19, which is a volume equivalent to about 8% of

general security share component.

Drought operation measures

• The Murrumbidgee regulated river water source is at drought Stage 1, meaning all allocated

water can now be delivered under normal regulated river operations. Despite the small

improvements, drought conditions continue to threaten.

Water availability weekly report 12

• An operational update has been issued to advise river users on the low river levels due to the

drought measures.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

– Lake Albert in Wagga Wagga is on a Green alert for blue-green algae. More information can

be obtained from the following link: Lake Albert - Wagga City Council

– Lake Wyangan South in Griffith has an Amber status for blue green algae. For more

information select the following link: Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

– Lake Wyangan North in Griffith has a Red status for blue green algae. For more information

select the following link: Lake Wyangan.

– The Hay weir at Leonard Street and Murrumbidgee River at Maude Weir Buoy are on a Green

alert status.

– Green alerts are current at Gogeldrie Weir, Hay weir Buoy and Balranald,

– Green alert is current for Burrinjuck Dam and Green alert downstream of the dam wall.

– Green alert is current for Blowering Dam and Green alert downstream of the dam wall.

– Other sites have no alerts. For more information visit: Water Quality Algae.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Maintenance of Tarabah Weir is underway. However, the structure is being operated manually

to deliver about 50ML/d below the structure.

• There is no power supply to Nimmie Creek, North Caira and South Caira offtake regulators. The

structures can be operated manually.

• The Redbank Weir coating programme continues with full scaffolding structures set-up.

Therefore, for the safety of the personnel working at site the weir cannot be used to supply water

to Lowbidgee offtake structures under automated control mode. The weir will remain low until

mid-November.

Water availability weekly report 13

5. Central valley based operational activities

5.1 Lachlan valley

Storage and release status

• Carcoar Dam is currently 18.3% of capacity and releasing 10ML/d and will be reduced back to 1

ML/d at the end of week.

• Wyangala Dam is currently 17% of capacity and releasing around 825ML/d. Releases are

forecast to be steady during the week.

• Lake Cargelligo is currently around 50% of capacity and the level is likely to start rising through

the week.

• Releases downstream of Brewster Weir are currently around 220ML/d. Releases are forecast to

stay in between 220- 240ML/d this week.

• Willandra Ck flows will cease between December and March.

Environmental water operations

• About 22 gigalitres of water for the environment has been used for a spring pulse. The release of

water from Wyangala Dam started on 16 September and have now ceased. The pulse has now

passed Booligal. These flows are intended to improve native fish, plant and animal health. This

flow has enabled the river to be linked to other key sites that will also be watered including

Booberoi Creek, Yarrabandai Lagoon, Brewster Weir Pool and sites in and near The Great

Cumbung Swamp. Further information about this watering event is available from the

Commonwealth Environmental Water Office website at - Lachlan Spring flow

• Due to drought conditions, end of system daily environmental flow requirements in the Belubula

River have been suspended and are only being met intermittently with the contribution from

tributaries.

Water Availability

• It is estimated that a combined dam and tributary inflow volume of more than 377GL is required

in November before a further allocation can be made in the Lachlan River. Inflows received to

date in November are negligible.

• The DPIE Water Allocation Statement (WAS) on 1 July 2019 announced that the water access

licence holders are only allowed to access 57% of the volume of water in their accounts carried

over from 2018-19 water year. The restriction will be eased or removed if inflow situation improves

in the future.

Water availability weekly report 14

• The temporary water restriction can be viewed at –

http://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions

• Local water utility and domestic and stock access licence holders on the Lachlan regulated

river receive 100% of allocation.

• Regulated river high security water access licence holders receive an allocation of 87%, while

regulated river general security access licence holders receive no allocation at this time.

• The detailed October WAS by Dept Planning, Industry & Environment can be viewed at: WAS

Inflows needed to improve deliverability of carryover

2019-20 inflow

period

Estimated

cumulative

inflows required

prior to easing of

restrictions (GL)

Inflows received

since July 2019 (GL)

Additional inflows

required to increase GS

delivery to 75% and

increase HS allocation

to 92% (GL)

Additional inflows

required for new

GS AWD (GL)

(no restrictions)

By end of

November

157 9 191 377

By end of

December

162 9 195

By end of

January

165 9 198

By end of

February

166 9 198

Notes: Estimated water held in general security accounts on 1 July 2019 was 155,000 ML. Water

delivery operations in 2019-20 provided under drought contingency planning (Stage 3). Minimum

storage level of 5% is targeted at the end of 2019-20 water year to maintain critical supplies in 2020-

21.

• These are indicative improvements only and are not guaranteed. Estimates may change based

on weather variability, water management decisions and other events. This means water users

should use this information with caution and at their own risk, as it projects many months ahead.

• The assessment for the table above is based on water delivery operations in 2019-20 provided

under drought stage 3 and 2020-21 under severe drought stage 4. NSW extreme events policy

can be viewed at Extreme Events Policy.

• In the Belubula, general security water access licence holders have 0% allocation but will have

access to account water that has been carried over from the previous water year. A Temporary

Water availability weekly report 15

Water Restriction under Section 324 of the Water Management Act 2000 has been gazetted on

1 October 2019. It allows access to 40% of the water in general security access licence account

balance as at 30 September 2019. The remaining 60 per cent is moved to a drought subaccount

and cannot be used. Please refer: Belubula WAS Oct 2019

• While allocations for the Belubula River system have been announced by DPIE Water, the

delivery of water is restricted due to the ongoing drought. Please refer: Belubula Ops Update

Oct 2019

• High security and domestic and stock access licence holders on regulated Belubula receive

100% allocation.

Water Quality

• Latest BGA samples show that Curlew Waters, Lake Cargelligo Outlet, Lake Cargelligo TWS, Lake

Cargelligo Boatshed and lake Brewster inlet are on Green alert.

• Wyangala Storage results show that overall productivity across the storage is low. Most upstream

sites have either green alga or diatoms as the dominant species. An amber alert detection of

Dolichospermum sp. was noted downstream. Storage remains at amber alert.

• Some river flow is being circulated through the Lake Cargelligo with the intention of improving

water quality in the channels connecting the lakes and the river.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil.

Water availability weekly report 16

5.2 Macquarie valley

Storage and release status

• Burrendong Dam is at 3.6% of capacity and currently releasing around 180ML/d. Releases are

forecast to be in between 180-200 ML/d during this week. Releases are primarily for town water

supply and some Domestic and Stock demands.

• Burrendong Dam has been drawn below 10% on five similar occasions (June 1995, Jan 1998, Apr

2003, May 2004 and Jan 2007).

• Windamere Dam is currently 30% of capacity and releasing 90ML/d. Releases are forecast to

remain steady between 70-90ML/d during this week.

• If conditions remain dry, a second phase of the transfer will recommence in early 2020, leaving a

minimum of 70GL in Windamere Dam, which provides a very secure supply for local demand for

the next five to seven years.

Environmental water operations

• Translucent environmental water from Windamere Dam is deliverable all through the year when

inflows to the dam meet the relevant triggers.

• Environmental water accounts in Burrendong have been suspended to extend supplied for

towns and critical industries. Link

Water availability

• It was estimated that inflows of around 440 GL are required in November before an increment in

Available Water Determination can be made.

• There was just 970 megalitres (ML) of inflow to Burrendong Dam during October 2019. The system

continues to experience its worst ever drought inflow sequence, and resources are being

managed to extend the supply of critical needs.

Drought operation measures

• The Macquarie is in drought Stage 4, the highest level under the Incident Response Guide.

• The combination of current storage volumes and a continuation of zero inflows will mean that

there isn’t enough water to maintain river flows to the whole valley for all of 2019/20. If zero

inflows continue, then the priority will be to extend supply for towns and critical industries. Cease

to flow has been implemented for the river below Warren and for Duck and Crooked Creeks on

28 August. If inflows do not occur at all this year and no drought measures are implemented,

then all storage water will be depleted before the end of June 2020 and the whole river would

then stop flowing.

Water availability weekly report 17

• Flows into Duck and Crooked Creeks ceased on the 28th August. Construction of the temporary

drought works are now installed at the fishways.

• Flows into Gunningbar Ck below the Albert Priest Channel offtake are now planned to cease in

December if conditions remain dry,

• The Water Allocation Statement from DPIE on 1 July 2019 announced allocations for high security

of 70% and high security access licence sub categories of 35%, while general security has 0%.

• Macquarie general security water access licence holders are also restricted from any access to

water in their accounts carried over from the previous water year.

• The temporary water restriction can be viewed at - temporary water restrictions

• The timing of all S&D replenishments in 2019 will depend on further rainfall events, dam inflows,

and contributions from downstream tributaries, rather than dam releases.

• Cudgegong general security carryover is not restricted.

• Any inflows received will be used to improve the drought management operations in 2019-20

from stage 4 to stage 3 prior to easing the current restrictions and drought management

operations further. The Macquarie–Castlereagh incident response guide can be viewed at

Incident response guide Macquarie.

• The actual inflows to Burrendong Dam since the last AWD in August 2017 total about 94 GL to

end of Oct 2019. This is only 21% of the previous record low inflow of about 440.6 GL for the

27months ending in October.

• This drier than historical minimum inflow confirms that the system has entered into a new drought

of record for Burrendong Dam.

Water quality

• Burrendong storage results for the 23rd October show low productivity at Station 1 with both arms

undergoing a diatom bloom. No cyanobacteria were detected at Station 1 however in both the

Cudgegong and Mookerawa arms, a Thalassiosira sp. (diatom) bloom is occurring. A minor

detection of Microcystis sp. was noted downstream. Storage is now at green alert.

• Windamere algal results for the 08th October show a significant presence of Microcystis cf. flos

aquae (potentially toxic) at all upstream sites. Downstream showed a similar assemblage but at

lower concentrations. Windamere is now on amber alert.

• Works to reinstate the temperature curtain at Burrendong Dam have been completed and the

commissioning phase has commenced. The curtain is fully lowered due to low storage levels.

• An aerator has been installed to improve DO levels in Burrendong and will be commissioned this

week.

Water availability weekly report 18

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

Water availability weekly report 19

Northern valley based operational activities

6.1 Namoi valley

Storage and release status

• Split Rock Dam is at 1.3% of active capacity and is currently releasing

around 27 ML/d for the Upper Namoi.

• Keepit Dam is at less than 1% of active capacity and releases have ceased since December

2018.

• Chaffey Dam is at 17% of active capacity and currently releasing 61ML/d.

• Flows from last winter’s environmental fish flows filled the Walgett weir on the Barwon River in

July, providing some surface water for the town supply.

• The Pian Creek replenishment flow was not able to be delivered in the usual manner so other

supply arrangements need to be made.

Environmental water operations

• There are not any current orders for the release of environmental water in the Namoi. No water

is available to environmental accounts in the Peel River.

Water availability

• There is currently a shortfall of more than 123GL before there is likely to be an AWD increment in

the Lower Namoi valley.

• The Water Allocation Statement by DPIE (dated 9th October 2019) confirmed that in the Peel

Valley local water utility and domestic and stock allocation is 70%; high security and its sub

categories is 50%, and general security is 0%.

• The latest Water Allocation Statement by DPIE (dated 4th October 2019) confirmed that in the

Upper Namoi local water utility and D&S have 100%, high security has 75% and general security

has 0% and are only allowed to access 75% of the volume of water in their accounts carried

over from the previous water year, and that

• Lower Namoi local water utility and D&S have 100%, high security has 75% and general security

has 0% and are not allowed to access water in their accounts as of 1 July 2019. The restrictions

will be eased or removed if inflow situation improves in the future.

Water availability weekly report 20

Drought operation measures

• The Peel valley is in drought stage 4. Drought planning is underway, including restricting flows

below Dungowan from 30 November to secure town water supply. Current operational targets

below Tamworth are for very low flows. Operations Update Peel 24-July.

• Investigations are on the way to expand water supply for the Peel Valley. Operations update

Peel 16-August.

• The Upper Namoi is in drought Stage 3. Customers’ water accounts are likely to be largely

depleted before Jan 2020 and releases are then likely to cease, except for Manilla’s town water

supply.

• The Lower Namoi is at Stage 4, the highest level under the Incident Response Guide.

• Deliverability of water in accounts is restricted, see detailed Operations Update Namoi 1-July

• Deliverability of this water will rely on tributary flows and/or improved storage volumes. No further

block releases are planned for the Lower Namoi until inflows occur.

Water quality

• Split Rock Dam is on a Green alert in the storage,

• Keepit Dam is on a Green alert in the storage, and

• Chaffey Dam is on an Amber alert in the storage.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Mollee fish way is currently unavailable due to infrastructure failure.

Water availability weekly report 21

6.2 Gwydir valley

Storage and release status

• Copeton Dam is at 7% of active capacity and is currently releasing 990 ML/d mostly for

environmental purposes and high security customers. Flow is planned to decrease to 200 and

then to 20ML/d by the end of the week. Stock and domestic flows are being undertaken in

conjunction with current releases.

Environmental water operations

• Water is released following Environmental water order in combination with general security/ECA

block release.

Water availability

• Whilst every endeavour will be made to supply further stock and domestic flows in the future,

should conditions remain extreme, further releases from Copeton Dam for stock and domestic

flows may not be feasible.

• Deliveries for stock, domestic and riparian water, ordered before the 1st November and

scheduled with current releases are likely to reach Mehi, Moomin, Carole Creek and Lower

Gwydir. Flows are not expected to reach Collarenebri. For further details please contact Ken

Gee on 0427 293 534.

• Inflows of about 57GL are required to refill the Essential Requirements and Delivery Loss accounts

before any increase in general security AWD is possible.

• The latest Water Allocation Statement by DPIE -Water (dated 4th October 2019) confirmed that

the local water utility and domestic and stock access licence holders have 100% of entitlement.

High security has 100% and general security have 0%. These licence holders have access to

general security account water carried over from the previous water year.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Copeton shows Copeton at an Amber level.

Drought operation measures

• The Gwydir is in drought Stage 3 as the drought is deepening and tougher measures are needed

to protect critical human needs. Management action will focus on ensuring water is available

for critical needs for as long as possible.

• However, deliverability will rely on downstream tributary contributions and infrequent block

releases. Operations Update Gwydir 1-July

Planned supply interruptions:

• No supply interruptions are expected.

Water availability weekly report 22

6.3 Border rivers

Storage status

• Pindari Dam is at 4% of capacity and releasing around 14ML/d (minimum release).

• Glenlyon Dam is at 3% of capacity. Releases ceased. Bulk releases to transfer water to

Boggabilla Weir for Goondiwindi town water supply have been completed.

• Releases from Glenlyon filled the Boggabilla weir pool. Releases currently ceased. A small

release is planned this week to top up Goondiwindi weir pool.

Environmental water operations

• No current additional releases for environmental water orders.

Water availability

• The Available Water Determination (AWD) for 2019-20 is 100% for towns and high security, while

general security A-class and general security B-class is zero. Total carryover into 2018-19 is around

1.8% of general security share components but 50% of that is restricted until the inflow situation is

improved.

• While allocations for the Border Rivers have been announced by DPIE -Water, the delivery of

water is restricted due to the ongoing drought. Releases will be made to ensure supplies for

towns including Goondiwindi and Boggabilla, however releases are not able to be made to

supply Mungindi. No dam releases will be made for Glenlyon to Junction and downstream of the

Junction to Mungindi section. Very limited access may be available for Pindari to the Junction

customers. Access may be available from tributary inflows for all sections. Detailed water

delivery arrangements are available in the operations update.

Drought operation measures

• The Border Rivers is in drought Stage 4. Customers are advised that if dry condition persists, future

deliveries, including essential supplies, will be grouped together (block releases), and where

possible with tributary flows, to improve delivery efficiencies.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Pindari shows an amber alert level.

Planned supply interruptions:

• No supply interruptions are currently forecast

Water availability weekly report 23

6.4 Barwon-Darling River system

River flow status

• Significant rainfall was recorded near Bourke and surrounding areas over the weekend of 2nd

and 3rd Nov 2019. Around 95mm was observed at Bourke and around 51mm at Brewarrina over

two days. This rainfall generated flow at Beemery, Warraweena, Bourke and Louth.

• Substantial rainfall also occurred in the Warrego catchment, which generated flow at Fords

Bridge and Dicks Dam.

• A section 324 Temporary Water Restriction Order for A, B and C class licences from the Culgoa

Junction to Menindee has been issued on 4 Nov to protect the flow.

• The Northern Fish Flow event and Warrego inflow replenished the weir pools along the Barwon

Darling system into July 2019. The current rainfall event already replenished Bourke and Louth

weir pool and will further extend the water supply for critical human needs.

• The Barwon-Darling Rivers are an unregulated rivers, which travel through a very arid

environment with significant losses from the system due to high evaporation and long travel

times. It is very difficult to accurately forecast downstream flows as local conditions can vary

significantly over the number of weeks it takes the water to travel along the river. In addition,

sections of the river have ceased to flow for an extended time and significant losses will occur

with wetting up the river bed along these sections and refilling weir pools and natural holes in

the river. The below summaries are the current forecast estimates of flows along the system

generated from rainfall event over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd Nov 2019. This information will be

regularly updated as required.

Location Observed

volume (ML)

Total forecast volume –

including observed (ML)

Flow arrival /expected date of

arrival

Beemery 1,823 1,825 - 1,850 3 Nov 2019

Warraweena 3,436 3,500 – 3,800 3 Nov 2019

Bourke 6,974 7,500 -8,500 4 Nov 2019

Dicks Dam 2,731 3,500-5,000 3 Nov 2019

Louth 225 5,000 - 7,000 3 Nov 2019

Tilpa 0 0-2,000 20 -30 Nov 2019

Water availability weekly report 24

Environmental water operations

• Releases of Held Environmental water to maintain fish refuge areas in the Barwon River from

Copeton Dam commenced on 16 April and ceased on 23 June. Releases from Glenlyon Dam

commenced on 24 April and ceased on 13 May.

• A Section 324 temporary water restriction was in place to restrict irrigation access to this water

which expired on 30 August 2019. New section 324 order issued on 4 Nov.

• Planned Environmental Water (PEW) is water in the system that is below the commence to pump

conditions for access licences.

Water Availability

Flow recommenced between Beemery to Louth section but there is no access availability due to

section 324 order.

Drought operation measures

• The Barwon Darling unregulated river water source is assessed to be in Stage 4.

Water availability weekly report 25

WaterNSW HYPLOT V133 Output 11/11/2019

Period 17 Month 01/07/2018 to 01/12/2019 2018-19416001 BARWON R @ MUNGINDI 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

416050 BARWON U/S PRESBURY 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422004 BARWON @ MOGIL MOGIL 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422003 BARWON @COLLARENEBRI141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422025 BARWON @ TARA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422001 BARWON @ DANGAR BDGE141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422026 BARWON @ BOOROOMA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422027 BARWON @ GEERA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

WaterNSW HYPLOT V133 Output 11/11/2019

Period 17 Month 01/07/2018 to 01/12/2019 2018-19

422002 BARWON @ BREWARRINA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422028 BARWON @ BEEMERY 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425039 DARLING@WARRAWEENA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425003 DARLING@BOURKE TOWN 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425004 DARLING@LOUTH 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425900 DARLING@TILPA 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425008 DARLING@WILC. MAIN C 141.00 1 Day Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

0

500

1000

1500

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Water availability weekly report 26

Coastal valley based operational activities

7.1 Bega river

Storage and release status

• Brogo Dam is at 55% of capacity and releasing around 50 ML/d.

Environmental water operations

• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• An AWD of 40% for general security, and 100% for all other licence categories was announced

on 1 July 19.

Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Brogo indicates a green alert level is maintained.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

Water availability weekly report 27

7.2 Hunter valley

Storage and release status

• Glenbawn Dam is currently at 44% of capacity and releasing around 900

ML/d. Releases are forecast to remain same during the week with AGL

extracting.

• Glennies Creek Dam is at 46% of capacity and releases are currently around 160 ML/d. Releases

are forecast to remain steady during the week.

• Lostock Dam is at 71% of capacity and releasing 35 ML/d.

Environmental water operations

• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• General Security licenses in the Hunter Valley received 95% allocation on the 1 July 2019 while all

other categories received 100%.

• Paterson valley allocations are 100% for all licence categories.

Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Hunter storages indicates a green alert is maintained at Glenbawn and

Glennies Creek. Lostock storage is also at green alert.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

Water availability weekly report 28

7.3 Toonumbar Dam

Storage and release status

• Toonumbar Dam is at 39% of capacity and releasing 30 ML/d. Releases are forecast to remain

steady for the week ahead.

Environmental water operations

• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• All licence categories have 100% availability.

Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Toonumbar indicates a green alert.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

29

6. Rural Dam Levels

The following table shows the status of water supplies at 11 November 2019.

River Valley Cap-

acity Current Status

Weekly

change

(GL)

Comments

Likely-

hood

of fill

and

spill

Allocations for 2019/20

Storage Dam, Nearest Town (GL)

% of

active

capacity

Active

(GL) Supply Issues

High

Security

Gen.

Security

C’over

avail @

1/7/19

Border Rivers

3% 7 -0

4% 14 -0

8% 101 -4

1% 4 -0

1% 5 -0

18% 18 -0

4% 43 -2

30% 111 -1

18% 217 -8

19% 7 -0

33% 340 0

56% 893 10

54% 2053 -16

38% 1136 -16

1% 11 0

67% 501 155

47% 131 -2

72% 14 -0

41% 4 -0

Glenlyon Dam, Stanthorpe

(Qld) 253 3% 7 -0

C’over restricted to

50% Deliverability <20% 100% 0% <1%

Pindari Dam, Inverell 312 4% 14 -0

C’over restricted to

50% Deliverability

restricted

<20% 100% 0% <1%

Gwydir Valley

Copeton Dam, Inverell 1346 7% 94 -5 Deliverability restricted <5% 100% 0% 5%

Namoi Valley

Keepit Dam, Gunnedah 419 1% 4 -0 C’over restricted to 0%

Deliverability restricted <20% 75% 0% 0%

Split Rock Dam, Manilla 394 1% 5 -0

C’over restricted to

75% <5% 75% 0% 22%

Chaffey Dam, Tamworth 98 17% 17 -0 Deliverability restricted <50% 50% 0% N/A

Macquarie Valley

Burrendong Dam,

Wellington 1154 4% 41 -2

C’over restricted to 0%

Deliverability restricted <20% 70% 0% 0%

Windamere Dam, Mudgee 367 30% 110 -1 Regulated releases. <5% 70% 0% 54%

Lachlan Valley

Wyangala Dam, Cowra 1216 17% 209 -8 C’over restricted to

57% <20% 87% 0% 15%

Carcoar Dam, Carcoar 36 18% 7 -0 Deliverability restricted 10% 100% 0% 38%

Murrumbidgee Valley

Burrinjuck Dam, Yass 1025 33% 340 -0 Min Planned eWater 40% 95% 6% 8%

Blowering Dam, Tumut 1604 54% 870 -22 Regulated releases <10% 95% 6% 8%

Murray

Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta (Vic) 3837 54% 2046 -5 Transfers to Hume N/A N/A N/A N/A

Hume Dam, Albury 2982 37% 1108 -23 Transfers to L Vic <25% 97% 0% 18%

Lower Darling

Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill 1633 1% 11 0 Releases ceased N/A 30% 0% 19%

Hunter Valley

Glenbawn Dam, Scone 750 44% 333 -7 Regulated releases <20% 100% 95% 23%

Glennies Ck Dam, Singleton 282 46% 130 -2 Regulated releases <20% 100% 95% 23%

Lostock Dam, Gresford 20 71% 14 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 100% N/A

Coastal Area

Toonumbar Dam, Kyogle 11 39% 4 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 100% N/A

Brogo Dam, Bega 9 55% 5 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 40% N/A

Total 17746 30.3% 5370 -86

Water availability weekly report 30

WaterNSW has water resources in Dartmouth, Hume and Glenlyon Dams. TWS = Town Water Supplies

1 Gigalitre (GL) = 1,000 Megalitres (ML) 1 ML = 1,000,000 litres

More information

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